Coral Reefs

In this lesson, students examine the relationship between climate change, coral reefs, and ocean organisms, strengthening their sense of responsibility and Hawai’i.
Inquire: Students learn about current threats to the ocean, summarize their observations of zooxanthellae, and develop connections between their favorite ocean hobby and threats to ocean life.
Investigate: Students explore the role of coral reefs in maintaining biodiversity through a jigsaw-style reading and create a one-page group summary.
Inspire: Students research a local ocean organism and create a first-person narrative exploring the connections between climate change, coral reefs, and their oceanic organisms.
Resources

Lesson Plan

Partner

Grade Levels: 9-12

Duration: 135 min

Concepts/Skills:Calcium Carbonate, Climate Change
Coral Bleaching, Global Warming, Greenhouse Effect, Greenhouse Gases, Mitigation, Nematocysts, Ocean Acidification, Polyp, Resilience, Symbiotic Relationship, Zooxanthellae

Objectives:

  • Identify a cause of damaged coral reefs around the world.
  • Define zooxanthellae and articulate the significance of zooxanthellae to coral reef ecosystems.
  • Research and create a presentation about the existence of a living organism found in coral reefs.
  • Use digital media strategically to present their research on a living organism found in coral reefs.